When should I disclose a felony to a prospective employer? (employed, interview)

[tonym9428]

I am a felon and am currently working as a statistician at a technology company and have been looking for a new job. I recently had a phone interview with a company that was out of state and they want to have me fly in for an in person interview. Since they will be paying for the flight and accommodations, I don't want to waste their time or resources when they may have a policy where they don't hire felons. How should I handle this? Tell them that I have a felony now and let them determine if they still want to fly me out, go to the in person interview and then tell them about the felony then, or say nothing until if and when they ask about it.

In regards to the felony, it occurred when I was 21 and a university student, and while it was semi-serious, I never had to serve any prison time, although I did perform three years of probation. I've gone on to complete my masters degree from a major state university and have been employed in a professional job setting for the past two and a half years.

[plmokn]

Don't volunteer it and and don't lie. Don't worry about wasting their time.

You could try to find out anonymously so you don't waste your time.

[tonym9428]

Originally Posted by plmokn

Don't volunteer it and and don't lie.

Thanks!

I won't lie, but my only reservation was that if they're paying a plane ticket and hotel room, I'd feel guilty that I'd be wasting their resources and time when I might not have any
chance of getting the job.

[johnp292]

I agree with the post above. If they haven't asked yet dont bring it up. I'm sure they will eventually, though, probably as a line item on an application. Not all convictions bar all applicants. It depends on many factors, such as type of job, type of offense, time frame, etc.

[ccm123]

I would only disclose it if and when they ask.

[manderly6]

Originally Posted by tonym9428

Thanks!

I won't lie, but my only reservation was that if they're paying a plane ticket and hotel room, I'd feel guilty that I'd be wasting their resources and time when I might not have any
chance of getting the job.

That is on them, not you. If they have such a policy in place then they are the ones making a mistake by not checking before hand.

[Quitters_Win]

Employer can check on the background check correct? Regardless never volunteer the information only if they ask. If you can never bring it up at all.

[doodlemagic]

if you dont mind sharing what was the charge? a felony for pot a company will overlook, a violent crime or a crime involving theft maybe not

[Teckeeee]

I would only tell them if they ask. In general, my understanding is a normal search can only go back 7 years unless it's a gov. job with clearance.

[ccm123]

I had a background check recently done and it seemed to go back more than 20 years! (They had my old residence addresses from the early 90's.)